Brighton is the best location to start up a business in the UK, according to research compiled by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). The city was chosen for its high number of start-ups and its high density of SMEs. Brighton also ranked well for digital connectivity, coming second only to Luton for its superfast broadband penetration rate.

AAT examined information from 64 of the biggest cities across the UK to determine the best location to start a business. To compile the list, AAT cross-referenced data from seven key criteria, including the density of small and medium sized business, digital connectivity, and the number of SME closures.

London made it to number nine on the list, ranking first for the number of SMEs start-ups. However, the capital’s high number of SME closures, middling broadband speeds and extremely high property prices makes it a less attractive place to start a business than cities such as Aldershot, Reading or Crawley. Recent research conducted by Sussex Innovation during the launch of its new incubation hub in Croydon revealed similar concerns on the part of entrepreneurs and business founders.

AAT Chief Executive Mark Farrar said: “The success of London as a global centre for business has been one of the UK’s biggest success stories of the past 20 years, however the tables could now be turning. The opportunities available in the UK’s provincial cities make them an extremely attractive place to invest in and it’s encouraging to see the high number of new businesses opening and thriving across the country.”

For information of how the Sussex Innovation Centre can help your Sussex or London-based StartUp develop, please click here.